Former New York Knicks player Ernie Vandeweghe has passed away at the age of 86, the NBA has announced.
The father of former NBA star Kiki Vandeweghe, Ernie averaged 9.5 points and 4.6 rebounds in 224 regular-season contests for the Knicks from 1949 to 1956. On the collegiate level, he averaged 19.1 points per game in his four seasons at Colgate.
Ernie's death was confirmed on Sunday night by Kiki Vandeweghe, who said that his father has passed on from natural causes at his home in Newport Beach.
"I am so lucky to have spent so many years with him learning and growing," granddaughter CoCo Vandeweghe, a pro tennis player who is currently ranked 40th in the world, said via a Facebook post Saturday, per an Associated Press report. "He is now in a better place with his beloved wife. He will be missed dearly. Love you Pal."
Born in Montreal, Vandeweghe attended medical school while in the NBA and was a physician during his time in the U.S. Air Force. He presided as chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and also served on the Olympic Sports Commission. In addition, he was the Los Angeles Lakers' team physician during the team's move to Los Angeles from Minneapolis.
"He's never really gone because the lessons are still there," said Kiki Vandeweghe.
"He used to take care of the athletes and their kids. I found out he never charged any of those people. When you can afford to give back, you do."
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